FireSmart

Notice: Supervised burns continue in Birchwood Trail System

Supervised burns continue to take place in the Birchwood Trail System, specifically in Blocks C, E and G of the Birchwood Trails - Phase 2B FireSmart vegetation management project. Work has now been completed in Blocks A, B, D and F and no further burning will take place in these areas.

Overnight burns will also continue in Blocks C, E and G. Burning will only take place when conditions are safe to do so. Fire and smoke may be visible. Please adhere to all posted signage in the area.

Wildfire Mitigation Strategy

The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) 2017 Wildfire Mitigation Strategy was developed to provide practical and operational wildland/urban interface risk mitigation strategies to reduce the threat of wildfire to development in the RMWB service areas using standardized wildfire hazard assessment protocols.

FireSmart is a national program adopted in communities across Canada aimed at reducing the risk of wildfire to homes and neighbourhoods. The Municipality is implementing a number of FireSmart preventative measures on municipally owned lands to mitigate the risk of future wildfires. The Municipality is also working with the Government of Alberta regarding FireSmart preventative measures on their lands.

Work is ongoing throughout the RMWB using the seven disciplines of FireSmart:

Education

Vegetation management

Legislation and planning

Development considerations

Interagency cooperation

Emergency planning

Cross training

Why is FireSmart Important?

In the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, we live with wildfire on our landscape. Because of this, we have a shared responsibility to protect our homes and our properties from the threat of wildfire damage. When homeowners, renters, business owners and government all work together, we can make a significant impact on reducing wildfire risk in our region.

FireSmart in the RMWB

The FireSmart program is not a new initiative in the Wood Buffalo Region. FireSmart preventative measures have taken place throughout the region for the past several decades, including areas near the Birchwood Trails, Ermine Crescent, Sicamore Place and Burns Place.

Since the May 2016 Horse River Wildfire, several Municipal FireSmart projects have taken place throughout the region to help reduce the risk of future wildfire damage. These include fuel reduction projects as well as reforestation projects.

Today, FireSmart work continues to be done throughout the region. A number of FireSmart vegetation management projects are scheduled to take place this year, including projects in Conklin, Fort Chipewyan, Anzac, Waterways and areas near the Birchwood Trails.

How You Can Be FireSmart

There are many actions you can take around your home and property to become more FireSmart. You can manage your vegetation by replacing evergreen trees with deciduous trees, and by trimming and pruning trees on your property. You can reduce surface fuels by regularly cleaning up debris from your lawn, deck and gutters. You can also protect your home by creating a 1.5 metre non-combustible zone around the perimeter of your home and deck.

These are just some of the ways you can become more FireSmart at home. Learn more about implementing FireSmart principles to your home and property here: